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Drivers already get 30 minutes free parking at 14 sites around the borough, as part of a scheme designed to support local businesses. But Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, has announced the initiative would be extended to all on-street pay-and-display parking spaces in shopping streets.

“I hope all residents can now enjoy the benefits of what has been a popular and successful scheme,” he said.

The move was a surprise departure from the agenda for last week’s cabinet meeting, which had recommended introducing free parking at just two new sites in Chiswick – Devonshire Parade and Turnham Green Terrace.

It follows heavy pressure from Brentford & Isleworth MP Mary Macleod, who has repeatedly called for free parking to be introduced borough-wide ahead of Small Business Saturday, which celebrates local firms, on December 7.

She said she was 'extremely pleased' the council had listened to the concerns of residents and businesses.

“I look forward to hearing more details from the council on when we can expect the scheme to be introduced. It would be fantastic if this could be in place in time for Small Business Saturday,” she added.

Ms Macleod has recommended the introduction of a smart card, like those already available in Richmond and Hillingdon, which residents can use to claim their free 30 minutes parking.

It is not clear at this stage when the borough-wide free parking will be implemented or exactly how, but council officers have warned the cost of introducing a smart card could prove prohibitive.

Trials of the free parking scheme at existing sites have cost the council an estimated £46,000 over the past six months in lost revenue and it is not known how much extending the scheme will cost.

Deputy leader, Colin Ellar, claimed the move proved not all councils were using parking as a cash cow, as local government secretary Eric Pickles had accused many of doing.

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Should 30 minutes free parking be rolled out across Hounslow despite lost income for the council?